Consumer Tips: TV & Radio

Digital television (DTV) is a new broadcasting technology that will deliver television signals digitally and virtually free of interference.  DTV will offer enhanced picture quality and digital surround sound, among other enhancements.  The advantage of digital is that it is more efficient and allows the same number of stations to broadcast more program material using fewer broadcast airwaves – freeing up airwaves for other services. 

The "DTV transition" refers to the conversion of the nation's television broadcast system from analog technology to digital technology.  Congress set a target date of December 31, 2006, for the transition to be completed and for the analog channels broadcasters use to be returned so that they can be assigned for other purposes. 

The conversion will impact all consumers. Consumers will be required to purchase new digital TVs or a converter box for their existing TV. USA Today recently reported that converters now cost roughly $300-$400, but as production and demand rises, the price should fall, possibly to as little as $50.

And these conversion costs could slow down the process; if fewer than 85% of households in an area have purchased equipment to watch DTV programming the transition will be extended until 85% of households have DTV equipment.  The FCC and the Congress are looking at ways to keep the DTV transition on track.  For example, there are proposals in Congress to provide assistance for low income families to purchase digital converters.

To learn more about digital TV and the transition, visit www.dtv.gov, a new consumer education site sponsored by the FCC.